Waiting

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Tate isn’t the kind who goes after a married woman. He took his shot the second he heard Harper got divorced. He’s been watching her, waiting for the appropriate moment to present itself. And now he might have a chance.

But will his age stop Harper from trying a relationship with him? Will she never see him as a man? He's the right man for her, and he’s determined to prove it.

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Waiting is an age-gap romance between an older woman and a swoon-worthy Irish younger man. It’s a brilliant mix of multicultural romance and comedy; family and friendship.

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Xavier Neal has a unique way of writing. I’ve always enjoyed her books simply for the way she writes them. But something about this one felt off to me. Maybe it’s the fast pace, and I didn’t get to see how they got from the bartender and his crush to boyfriend and girlfriend. The many "prior to's" and "occurs" I've read got annoying after a while.

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It’s a quick-read book that made me feel a cocktail of emotions. I’ve laughed, swooned and fallen in love. Harper is a strong female character that pushed Tate to aim higher. I’d say she’s perfect for him because of that. She knew he could accomplish so much and gave him a nudge. Tate is also an interesting character with his charm and these sexy sentences in different languages. Even though most of the time I didn’t understand a word when he or his family spoke in a different language and I stopped translating after a while. It still showed how different cultures can mix beautifully.

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I have to admit, this book was more than I expected. And I’m glad I got the chance to read it. Just like I said, I wished I got more details on the first days of their relationship, but I guess that wasn’t the most important part of their story.

Richelle Zirkle

2,163 reviews12 followers

I really enjoyed Harper and Tate’s journey to HEA. It’s a breath of fresh air to have a second chance at romance and true love when the first doesn’t work out. What Harper finds with Tate is the real deal. Watching them navigate the very real relationship and family life with his LARGE extended family made me laugh out loud often. These two were a joy!

Melinda Parker

1,300 reviews22 followers

Trish (Beautiful Chaos Reviews)

Xavier Neal absolutely obliterated my book heart. Tate and Harper are everything that romance and HEA are all about. She delivered a 5+ 🌟 story. And I can’t wait for more.

What happens when your heart starts playing tricks on you? I mean, when you’re an older woman that has captured the attention of a man much younger than yourself, what are you supposed to do? Harper is about to try and figure this exact situation out. You see, Harper is a successful woman and has a thriving career. She’s independent, financially stable, and lives her own life as she sees fit. But she’s testing the dating waters since her divorce. A divorce that wasn’t bitter, just necessary. Unfortunately, her marriage didn’t provide the love or physical connection that she desired.

While dining out and conversing with her very hot server, Tate, she gets blindsided with something new and exciting. And when Tate realizes that Harper is now a free woman, he makes sure Harper is aware of the beautiful and desirable woman that she is. This very confident, handsome, and silver tongued devil just made his thoughts known. He may be young, but he wants his shot with Harper. He has wanted her for a while now, and it’s finally his turn to woo the woman that he sees as his forever.

Tate has a strong family influence with a multi-cultural background. Harper’s family loss weighs heavy on her and how she interacts with others. She wants what Tate has, what he’s offering, but she’s still a bit uneasy. How can a man so young be so sure? Can she let him catch her if she decides to fall?

Neal had me laughing with all Tate’s family antics. I loved the way they all loved so easily, accepted so openly. And well, Neal wrote this so completely realistically that I could almost hear Tate whispering his words of love, and it made my toes curl, oh yes he did! Harper allowed us to see the struggles and doubts that plagued her. She had true feelings that we easily understood and felt with her. Xavier Neal always writes characters and stories that are so real and relatable that we can see through the characters eyes, feel their ups and downs, we get to experience their lives, the good, the bad, and the ugly. But she allows me to see the backstory, the downfalls, and pain, as well as, the victories and happiness. Definitely worth the WAIT!

1,073 reviews23 followers

August 22, 2022

Do you know when you just need one of those books that just clears the air? Waiting was that book for me, and it was so enjoyable to read that I hated to have it end. I loved this author's book Aleatory, and Waiting is similar to the main characters being an older woman with a younger man. Harper is a divorcee trying to re-enter the dating arena after divorce and runs into the younger man Tate, a server at the restaurant she and her husband frequented. Tate has left an impression on Harper with his dashing good looks, and his Irish accent Tate has always been attracted to Harper, and now that she is available, he turns his Irish charm on her. This story is low angst, and all good stuff as these two find their one true love and navigate becoming one. There is growth to be had on both sides, and both people are willing to work to overcome and grow to work together to make a family. The Elvis references, the blues, and the jazz references make their story rich. This story is alive with different races, nationalities, genders, and orientations, but family unites them all; whether blood or found, love unites them all. Great book, Xavier!

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Amy M. (Amy Loves Reading Blog)

742 reviews50 followers

August 23, 2022

Couldn’t put this one down!! The emotions I have for Tate are like none I’ve had for a while!! I am obsessed with this author and I am honored each and every time I get to read one of her books!!

Tate…. Just thinking about this man has me shivering in anticipation!!! I feel like I completely understand him and even with his jealously! I loved reading about him from beginning to end!! I’m actually so sad that it ended; not because it wasn’t finished but because this man has me wrapped around his finger!!

Harper is different than I anticipated and it’s not bad but it’s different. I really loved her and I guess I understand all of her anger at times but I also understood the other side of that too!

I think this couple is sexy as heck!! I loved them and couldn’t get enough!! I seriously read the whole day each day I read because I was so obsessed!! (It was crazy rain in Texas so I didn’t miss anything.) I can’t wait for everyone to fall in love with them too!! Congrats!!

Stephanie Jynelle

1,252 reviews8 followers

Thank you. Harper and Tate are that beautiful melding of souls entertwined in the depth and breath of a love best explained by seeing and feeling it while in their presence.
I love the honesty they both had. Knowing that the love was so worth fighting for. Thank you for Tate as the fusion of truth that age isn't the only thing that matters. In some cases it doesn't even rate an eye raise. When you see and feel a love like that, you aspire to that level of honesty and openness.
Another fantastic love story that is purely theirs and like no other. The languages made it all the more special. Love is the universal language that requires no translation because you can feel it and hear it in every uttered word. Tate was the play she needed and Harper was the grounding he needed.

Rose Romance Reviews

184 reviews

Waiting by Xavier Neal is an older woman younger man age gap romance.

Harper had been divorced for two years going through one bad date after another when Harper is on a date at one of her favorite restaurants when she runs into Tate as her waiter. Tate has always liked Harper and when he finds out Harper is single he works his charm and tries to get a date with Harper for himself.

Tate is hot! I love how brazenly possessive he is and flirting not only in English but, Irish and Spanish. I find accents quite sexy. Harper and Tate balance each other nicely with Harper helping Tate settle down and Tate helps Harper loosen up. This story has a good amount of spice throughout. There are some phrases and words from other languages so I got to learn a few new words and I’m nosy and googled most of them and they make sense with the context of the story. I liked the different languages since it’s unique and different. This is a unique hot age gap romance.

I was honored to receive an ARC and voluntarily leaving a review

Keza Campbell

781 reviews12 followers

This Second-chance Age gap Romance Was absolutely steamy, funny and all round swoon worthy.

It had me "All Shook up" 😄

Harper is divorced and finally ready to date again. While Waiting for her date to arrive, Tate the hot young Server at her favourite restaurant finds out she is single and can finally make his move.
And...Make a move is What he did!

Gah Tate is Just the Sweetest! Holy hell the dirty talk In three different Languages. 😳🔥🔥
He Was truly devoted to Harper. It Was so flipping sweet!

The dedication to Loving Elvis Was utterly fantastic. Loved it.❤️

ARC Review.

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Jill Bridgeman

489 reviews15 followers

I absolutely loved the story of Harper and Tate. Hearing about all the different cultures and family and love. Tate and Harper come from different upbringings and work together to make their relationship between each other and their friendships work as one. Family and love is all they need to get through life.

KristieReadsBooks

1,849 reviews49 followers

I really enjoyed Waiting. Xavier writes such amazing and relatable stories. Waiting is an easy read - I don’t mean that in a negative way - it flowed along so beautifully, kept you engaged and made you fall in love with these drama free characters.

Tate may be my new favorite character…he is full of sass, heat, confidence and compassion. He knows what he wants and will not stop until he gets it.

Harper is a bit of a badass. She is confident, yet a bit insecure, she knows what she does/doesn’t want and she is full of passion once she lets her guard down.

These two will light up your kindle with amazing banter, flirty and hot, hot chemistry. I have been on an age gap kick and this one is fantastic! I highly recommend - and if you have read Aleatory by Xavier then you should read than one too!

Karry

1,420 reviews21 followers

What a super sexy age gap romance!! This one has an older woman, Harper, with a younger man, 10 years age difference. The younger man, Tate, is more mature for his age and has no problems proving it. He’s not perfect, but then again, who is? Read it for yourself, and you’ll see what I mean.

It’s a mixed race, multicultural, and trilingual love story. Be ready for moments of page turning heat, followed by full belly laughter, and some tears thrown in for good measure. There are, also, several secondary characters that were the perfect contrast to the main. I would love for them to get their own books, at some point. All the interactions were flawless. The blues, classic Elvis references, and interactions with Tate’s family, with their hilarious back and forth, were icing on the cake. It was a very fun read. I definitely recommend reading this book. You won’t be disappointed.

Christina

510 reviews4 followers

May 31, 2023

I want my own Tate!!!

He's the best kind of book boyfriend: sweet, loving, dedicated and he speaks multiple languages. (Fans self) I have a thing for accents and Tate has them. He also has so much love for his family and girlfriend.

Xavier did a phenomenal job bringing this character to life.

Harper is just as strong. She loves with all her heart and is fiercely independent, almost to a fault. She's loyal to who she surrounds herself with and shows thought to those she loves.

These two together work so well and I absolutely loved reading their journey. I love "meeting" new people in books and stories and this one was no different. I loved getting lost in this world and these characters. Definitely a must read.

Latifa Morrisette

2,584 reviews63 followers

Waiting is a steamy age gap that will have all your heart singing. This may be an age gap but it's also an interracial romance that has me hooked from beginning to end. I loved Tate and Harper's journey to their HEA and I'm excited for what's next.

Crystal (Crystalreads2)

971 reviews997 followers

Read

April 21, 2023

I’m not rating this book since I DNF’d it at 31%. I usually love the authors books and I love a good reverse age gap. But I couldn’t get into this book.

❤️ Nanda ❤️

781 reviews421 followers

April 21, 2023

🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧

Sooooo....
This book was really unexpected and I'll tell you why...
As a reverse age gap, I was honestly wishing for a different point of conflict than the ones that authors usually uses for this trope... I was unlucky on this one, and that disappointment is on me... I shouldn't have been expecting anything other than a good time.

To be fair, after a couple of hours, it was really a good time. I'm not gonna lie, I've listened the first 3 chapters twice, cause I was pretty sure that I was missing something. The story starts as if it was already in the middle. There's no background to their "connection" other than the mention that he works at her favorite restaurant, and remembers her choice of drink and food, even if she's not been there for about 2 years. The start of the book is kinda of like a bad porn, with him hitting hard on her and she crossing her legs to "alleviate" the aftermath of his advances.

It was from zero to a thousand in the span of 3 chapters, with them already in love, banging, and he wanting her to carry his children. So it was insta love, insta lust and insta everything since chapter one.

But after the initial shock, I was pleased with how the story developed, again if we remove my disappointments with the point of conflict being about her age, or his immature jealousy of her successful ex, the story was entertaining.

She was a loner and he had a big family to offer. One third of the book is about Elvis or the same thing in three different languages.
And despite all my ramblings here, it was a good time.

I'll attribute it to the great narration.
Tate was an Irish/Dominican/American (I think?) and whatever more was thrown in the mix, so he had an accent that sounded really good on the audiobook!

If you're into fast stories that are borderlining on erotica, I'm pretty sure, you'll love this one!

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Shelby Grenz Winckler

264 reviews4 followers

August 22, 2022

Ahh, Tate! Sweet, sweet Tate. He is the new book boyfriend of my dreams!
Tate and Harper are so adorable! I love a good age gap romance, you don’t typically see older woman to younger man, but this story is omg good!!

Harper is a 35 year old woman, two years after her divorce. She isn’t bitter with her ex, who is actually her best friend, she’s just kind of lost. She doesn’t know exactly what she wants. She wants a relationship, but she wants to focus on her career. She isn’t sure if she wants to start a family someday. She doesn’t know if marriage is in the cards for her again. Into the picture comes Tate, the sexy younger waiter from her favorite restaurant that literally barrels into her life. Harper isn’t sure what to do at first, because she knows Tate is younger. Much younger. He’s sexy, he has an accent, he can get any girl he wants, all her doubts come in to play.
But Tate has wanted Harper from the moment he saw her, except she was married. Now he knows she’s single, and he isn’t letting her get away.
Tate is from a family of men that know how to get their girl. And Tate has always wanted a love like his parents. From the first date with Harper, Tate was ready to propose. Tate doesn’t care about the age difference. He can’t see any other women when his woman is in the room. He’s mad about her, now it’s just convincing her to give them a real chance.
Can Tate convince Harper this is real? Can Harper get over the age difference?

Honestly Tate is the new book boyfriends forever! He was swoon worthy to the tenth degree! How he loves Harper is how people dream of being loved! And I loved the epilogue!!

The Book Fairy Reviews

2,489 reviews46 followers

Falling in love never happens when or with whom you expect. For Harper starting over again had become a task in torture first date than never seem to pan out. Then she see the handsome waiter that always served her and her ex husband, sparks and tingle galore and you have the unexpected happening. This book is a testament to all women who struggle with the gaps in age that men don’t seem to suffer. Is it our maturity or fear of ridicule that has us always second guessing the ones we fall for. Tate proves to Harper that age is just a number and shows us that love can be felt and cherished no matter the age or the language in which it is shared. Passion filled this is a must read!

Laura

1,013 reviews25 followers

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Harper and Tate grabbed hold of my attention and did not let go.

From the moment they reconnected at the restaurant, and Tate tossed out the idea of getting together, I knew this book would be difficult to put down.

It was interesting to see how they both navigated this new relationship, as they both had certain worries surrounding it. Thankfully they were able to work through it all and come out stronger.

This was another wonderful age gap romance from Xavier Neal.

Jenn Allen

3,259 reviews46 followers

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Such a great read! I loved every second of Harper and Tate's story and could not put it down. I was pulled in by this strong, independent woman and this young man that was not intimidated by that and wanted to cherish everything about her. They are super spicy, have a deep connection and that connection just progresses so well throughout. Tate's family kept me on my toes and loving them just as much. Add in some alpha possessiveness, some ups and downs and it all works perfectly together!

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

mistylovesbooks

314 reviews18 followers

August 22, 2022

Harper and Tate’s story is so sweet.
She is 10 yrs older than him and was very reticent to date him because of that.
The way Tate loves her with his entire being is so sweet but he does have a wee bit of a jealous side.
Harper is best friends with her ex husband and that tends to bring out Tate’s green eyed monster.
I loved reading about Harper, who has no family, getting to know Tate’s multi-cultural family. Both sides of his family are a hoot.

If you love sweet love stories with spice you’ll love this book.

Gladys

14k reviews163 followers

This book was absolutely wonderful. It is endlessly swoon worthy, deeply emotional, easy to relate to, send your temperature climbing, make you chuckle out loud, tug on your heartstrings, be all up in your feels bonanza that will quickly capture your interest and seize hold of your heart. I loved Harper and Tate so much! They were the perfect combination of cute, hot, genuine and funny to have me all in and avidly rooting for them from the first chapter to the last. I am independently posting a candid review.

Jessica Norris

56 reviews

Harper and Tate are the most perfect couple. Definitely a must read. Older woman and slightly younger man who constantly makes her feel worthy. They have their ups and downs, but this is definitely a feel good book that leaves you wishing for a Tate

JenniferMarie

732 reviews13 followers

I enjoyed Harper and Tate’s relationship from the start. It is an older woman, younger man romance and I loved how confident and swoony Tate was and how Harper could be more herself around him. These two are supportive of each other and I loved how well they communicated. I couldn’t put this one down, great read from Xavier.

Teresa Lara

3,483 reviews53 followers

All the feels
Intense emotional heartstopping love story of Tate and Harper
Definitely need more

1,814 reviews76 followers

Loved this age gap second chance romance! Tate and Harper are the real deal - and their journey is epic!

Joy Avery

1,311 reviews160 followers

Steph's Romance Book Talk

Rating: ☆☆☆☆ Spice: 🌶🌶🌶

Angst: 💣 Plot: 📚📚📚📚

Cliffhanger? ❌️

Do I recommend? ✅️

Tropes: Contemporary reverse age-gap romance

Harper is a down to earth, relatively recent divorced woman in her thirties. Just when she's moving on, she meets her unexpected second chance at love. While waiting on a date in her favorite restaurant, she runs into her favorite waiter. Tate O'Clery is sex on a stick, especially in his tight waiter uniform. He speaks three languages and has a truly beautiful heart. He has always wanted Harper but he respected marriage too much to make a move. Finding out she is divorced is a dream come true and quickly clicks his flirting switch to "ON". I don't know anyone that could ignore his hot as hell flirting coupled with an accent anyone would fall for. As an older woman, will Harper give Tate a chance and find true happiness?

This was an incredibly sweet romance with very little angst or unneeded drama. The heat was perfect and had me dreaming of his accent mixed with his dirty talk that I normally can't stand. Tate has a heart of gold with a huge extended family devoted to Elvis. I loved Harper just as much, especially her career as it was something I haven't come across before. My only complaint is how fast-paced their relationship was. I would have loved to read a little more about their beginning. By the end, the plot had warmed my heart and soul. It was time well spent and perfect for a Sunday afternoon read. This is my honest opinion, freely given.

2,870 reviews1,400 followers

January 6, 2024

4.25 Stars / 3 Steam Fans

I enjoyed this age gap story by Xavier Neal. I started 2023 with one of her books and starting 2024 with this book was the perfect call. There were a few repetitive things done by both F/MMCs that I wanted to scream at them for but those moments provided growth to the story.

Video review available in Week 1: Dec 31, 2023 – Jan 6, 2024, weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk (https://www.youtube.com/@stephsromanc...)

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Tammi

2,177 reviews30 followers

August 28, 2022

Such a fun story!
Real people dealing with real problems.
A hot as he77 couple.
A cast of characters I loved reading about.
An amazing family that I want to be a part of.
A love that had challenges and tests but made it to a HEA.
Xavier Neal took all these elements and wrote a book I could not put down.

Chris

1,729 reviews27 followers